2009 Review

Axa/Aon 10th Anniversary ‘ANNUAL ACROSS IRELAND’ Motorcycle Run Started back in 2000 The Annual Across Ireland fun run has grown to become Irelands largest motorcycle event of its kind…Now in its tenth year, it has grown to over one thousand bikes taking part in the two day event…

Over the past ten years this event has collected over 1.5 million Euro’s for different charities such as The Make A Wish Foundation, Our Lady’s of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and Beaumont Head and Spinal Unit.. The event was founded in 2000 by Nicky Carvin, when he experienced first hand the urgency for specialist medical equipment needed to help Newborn Babies & Children, overcome various illnesses at such an early stage of their lives. While visiting the intensive care unit of our Lady of Lourdes hospital, Nicky spoke to the doctors and nurses directly and found how badly they were in need of equipment to back up their excellent work carried out, along with being a lifelong Joey Dunlop Fan, which subsequently spurned Nicky to match one of Joeys many talents “Charitable Work” and no, not “Bike Racing”, as Nicky replies with a cheeky smile. Hence without any further thought or delay “The Annual Across Ireland Run” begun, with a few home printed flyers & posters stuck up on the walls of shops, pubs, bike shops etc…..some funds raised, bikes fuelled up, and mars bars packed, we were on our way “Across Ireland” to Galway (a one day event at the time).

This year seen the 10th Anniversary of the Run take place sponsored by AXA/AON on Saturday 29th August & Sunday 30th August, and once again Dawson Street & Molesworth Street were filled with Bikers to take part in the Event. Signing on was taking place at the Mansion House from early morning, On my arrival at Dawson street I was greeted by a smiling face asking my name to confirm that I had pre registered for the event which because of growing numbers taking part had to be put in place . Once confirmed I was moved on to park my bike along with the rest of the growing numbers of bikes arriving. There was a very strong guard presence along Dawson Street and adjoining streets directing traffic and keeping the bikes safe. The event organizers along with the guards worked very well together, keeping things running smooth catering for the bikes taking part on the event and the other road users. There was a wide range of bikes and trikes on the event .Everything from a little road legal scrambler to custom built bikes and trikes as well as the Presidential Cavalcade. Sports bikes, cruisers, touring bikes it was endless . As I walked along the street admiring the bikes I noticed that the people taking part on this run were of all ages men woman and children from all over the country and even some from outside Ireland, it was great to see such a mix of people getting together to enjoy a weekend on their bikes. Outside the mansion house a performance was put on by the Irish Cheerleader team (before heading to compete in the world championships in Croatia) along with Face painters, Live Music, Comedian PJ Gallager (also Bike Racer) & Bernard Dunne (World Boxing Champion) taking pictures with the many children, and Clowns making animals/hats etc.. from balloons for the children. It was great to see everyone of all ages been catered for, from people doing the event to people coming down just to have a look. Inside the mansion house free gifts were being handed out to participants, Hats, T-shirts, Key Rings Pens and Refreshments etc.. were available.

 At 1pm it was time for the run to leave Dublin and start the journey to Galway. Lead out of Dublin by the Presidential Cavalcade Escort (Irish Armed Forces) 2nd Cavalry Motorcycle Squadron, Garda Traffic Corp Escort, Medical Care units, Support Vans, over 1000+ motorbikes made our way from Dawson Street, Along the South Quays, past Houston Station and onto the N4 and the road for Galway with a very high standard of marshalling keeping our journey safe. The Group proceeded at a steady pace through Enfield, Kinnegad, Kilbeggan, and Mullingar (where there was also a collection made) as the bikes made their way through and onto Athlone where refueling and refreshments were got at Kilmartins Texaco station. Then the run preceded through Athlone Town, then onto Ballinasloe, Loughrea before reaching Eyre Square in Galway City where We were met by a large turnout of on lookers and well wishers and had a formal welcome to the City by the Lord Mayor of Galway City. From Eyre Square the group made its way to the Days finishing point Hotel Clybaun on the outskirts of Salthill….

That night things got into full swing as everyone gathered in the Clybaun for food and a night of entertainment that lay ahead. The night started with a thank you Speech from the event organizers followed by a speech from a mother and son that have been one of the hundreds of people who have been helped by the ‘Annual Across Ireland’ Crew and by all those that have taken part and donated to the Run… Then a auction with a wide range of items from special Whiskeys, Bernard Dunnes signed boxing gloves, Signed Giacomo Agostini Picture, Signed Racing Memorabilia, Signed Helmets, just to name a few . Loose Change, a very good live band put on a great performance that kept thing lively for the rest of the night. A great night and a perfect ending to a fun day on the road for all.

Sunday morning seen all the bikes meet up again at the Clybaun for the return journey. Even with it been a damp morning the atmosphere in the lobby of the Clybaun was electric as everyone waited to set off to Xtreme 45 Bike shop in, Co Dublin where the group was greeted with a warm welcome, refreshments, Music and free gifts.

I have been lucky enough to do the event this year, and was really impressed at how well it was run and what a great job the Annual Across Ireland team done making sure everything ran smoothly, the Great job the marshals done Keeping it safe for such a large number of bikes, the break down crew and everyone else involved. This year the run gathered over €177,750 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation which will grant wish's to both seriously & terminally ill children throughout Ireland (North & South).Bringing the total raised over the past ten years to over €1.5 Million.

With the countdown already started The Annual Across Ireland team are already getting plans in place for 2010 to make it bigger and better. Pre register in plenty of time and join in on the fun for 2010. www.annualacrossireland.com (for more info & pictures)

A special “Thank You” goes out to all our Sponsors & Supporters, AXA Insurance, AON BikeCare, Eddie Rockets, Xtreme 45, Dunlop Tyres, Thunderroad Café, Road Racing Ireland, Carvin Property Management, Snap Printing (Clonshaugh) Garda Traffic Corp & Defence Forces (Bike Cavalcade).